Inn finds digital recipe for success
A restaurant has expanded its offering online during Covid-19 with the launch of a cookery school and takeaway service, after engaging with Scotland’s national digital training programme.
The Inn at Kippen is based in Forth Valley and was taken over by partners Paul Smith and Laura Carey in November 2019.
Prior to the pandemic, Paul and Laura engaged with Business Gateway and identified that the business would benefit from a digital marketing strategy. They were able to access one-to-one support through Digitalboost and were introduced to a local expert who reviewed and updated the Inn at Kippen website and provided guidance on using social media platforms.
After lockdown was introduced, Paul and Laura used this knowledge to launch an online cookery school via Facebook Live. They delivered an average of 65 packs a week to customers, with thousands of people watching the demonstration online where Paul showed viewers how to cook and plate a restaurant quality meal.
Alongside this, they also introduced a takeaway service, ‘Inn the Hoose’, a five-course tasting menu promoted through Facebook.
Through this expanded offering, Paul and Laura were able to remain active and keep the business going.
Paul said: “When lockdown was introduced, we knew we had to quickly find a way to utilise online channels to reach customers to survive. Fortunately, we had already worked on our digital strategy, with help from Business Gateway and the Digitalboost programme, and this meant we were in a strong position and confident in our ability to get the most out of our online platforms.
“We are incredibly thankful that we engaged with Business Gateway, and our adviser Simon, from the start. They gave us the confidence we needed to try something new, and without them, I am not sure how we would have approached lockdown. While the new restrictions have posed a challenge, as our business isn’t currently eligible for funding under the updated guidance, we remain focused on identifying ways we can adapt to ensure the survival of our business over the winter.”
Business Gateway adviser Simon Orr said: “Like many other businesses across the hospitality sector, Paul and Laura were massively impacted by lockdown and the closure of their business. However, they have approached the situation head-on.”
For more information about Business Gateway or Digitalboost visit https://www.bgateway.com/